Fasting's hidden effects on the brain revealed in new study

NCT ID NCT07178106

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Nils Opel Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study looked at how a week of low-calorie fasting affects both the body and brain in 12 healthy adults. Participants followed a structured fasting plan, and researchers used brain scans and blood tests to track changes. The goal was to understand the link between switching the body's fuel source from sugar to fat and how the brain responds.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: low-calorie fasting (Wilhelmi-Buchinger method)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help explain how fasting affects the brain, potentially pointing toward new ways to support mental or metabolic health.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early study in healthy people, so results may not apply to others. It only measures biological changes, not health outcomes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Fasting

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEALTHY

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Jena

Jena, Thuringia, 07743, Germany

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